Continuing its preparation for the world championships, the United States basketball team began its trip to the Far East with a 119-73 victory over China on Monday.

China, playing without Yao Ming, could not contend with the superior athleticism of Team USA, which penetrated for numerous dunks. LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers was the ringleader with 23 points, including five dunks.

Fellow Class of 2003 superstars Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat also penetrated at will. Anthony scored 18 points and Wade added 14.